After every World Cup, many top players are rewarded with big money transfers to top clubs, and this World Cup will be no different.
Many relatively unknown players have become overnight stars during the World Cup, and their performances justify that fame.
In 2014 it was James Rodriguez who earned himself a €65 million transfer to Real Madrid, and these five players can follow Rodriguez’s path after the World Cup.
Harry Maguire (England & Leicester City)
Harry “blockhead” Maguire has been one of the stars for England at this World Cup as they have already made it to the semi-finals for the first time since 1990. Maguire has been essential for them because of his towering presence inside the box and his aerial ability.
At 25, Maguire is poised for a move to one of the top six clubs. He moved to Leicester last summer from Hull City and has already made a huge difference. Don’t be surprised if teams like Liverpool and Chelsea get into a bidding war for Maguire.
Aleksander Golovin (Russia & CSKA Moscow)
Aleksander Golovin was one of the key men for Russia as the hosts reached the quarter-final for the first time in their history. He gave two assists and controlled the midfield as he was the creative spark of an otherwise defensive Russian team.
He is just 22 and still has a lot of football left in him. Manchester United and Juventus have already shown interest in him and he is available for a relatively cheaper €25 million. After his performance at the World Cup, expect his demand and price to only go up.
Hirving Lozano (Mexico & PSV)
Hirving “chucky” Lozano has been one of the finds of the tournament as his goal proved to be the winner vs Germany. He then further assisted two goals against South Korea and proved to be Mexico’s star.
He plays for PSV in the Dutch league and his stocks have soared up after the World Cup. His dream is to play for Barcelona and he may well do that if he keeps on playing like this. Just like Golovin, expect him to be in high demand as he looks destined for great things.
Hakim Ziyech (Morocco & Ajax)
Morocco may not have set the tournament on fire but Ziyech was one of the few shining lights for Morocco in an otherwise disappointing campaign. He created loads of chances for his teammates but was let down by their poor finishing.
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At 25, Ziyech plays for Ajax and he is definitely someone who would be on the radar of big clubs. He has racked up more than 10 assists every season in the last four years and is capable of doing similar things for a top club.
Ante Rebic (Croatia & Frankfurt)
If Luka Modric has led the Croatian midfield, it is Rebic who has led their attack from the front. He scored an amazing goal against Argentina and his physicality and strength has given Croatia the much needed stability. His hold up play to involve Mandzukic and Perisic in attack has also been sublime.
Rebic is just 25 and plays for Frankfurt in the Bundesliga and is already being tipped for a move to Bayern Munich. With Croatia already in the semi-final, his stock can only rise from here, and rightly so.